FIFA president Infantino confirms Iran will “for sure” play World Cup
Gianni Infantino confirms Iran’s place in FIFA World Cup 2026 as tensions continue but hopes for peace remain.
FIFA World Cup – (Web Desk) – Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran national football team will “definitely” take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026, despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking at an economic conference hosted by CNBC, Infantino expressed hope that the situation will improve by the time the tournament begins. He stressed that Iran has earned its place through qualification, and the players are eager to compete and represent their country on the world stage.
Infantino had shared similar views earlier in March during his visit to a friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica in Antalya, Türkiye. His remarks come even as Donald Trump had previously raised concerns about the safety of Iranian players traveling to the United States.
Iran is set to play all three of its Group G matches in the U.S., including two games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, while the team will be based in Tucson, Arizona during the tournament.
There had been uncertainty around Iran’s participation following the conflict that began on February 28 involving the United States and Israel, but FIFA’s stance now makes it clear that the team will be part of the tournament.
Iran raised the prospect of a “boycott” of the competition before asking Fifa to move its matches from the United States to Mexico, a request the world governing body rejected.
After several weeks of air strikes on Iran and Iranian reprisals against Israel and other countries in the region, a fragile truce came into effect on April 8.
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But Tehran has sealed off the strategic Strait of Hormuz and since Monday Washington has imposed a blockade on ships coming from or heading to Iranian ports.
“Sports should be outside of politics,” Infantino said on Wednesday.
“If there’s nobody else that believes in building bridges and keeping them intact and together, we are doing the job,” he said.
The World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, starts on June 11.
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